Food– category –

Here's something that tends to confuse people when they first visit Yamanashi: someone will tell you to try the horse sashimi. Basashi is thinly sliced raw horse meat, usually eaten with soy sauce and things like ginger, garlic, or scall...

Let's start with the fun part: if you ask basically anyone in Yamanashi where hoto came from, they'll tell you a warlord invented it. Specifically Takeda Shingen — the legendary 16th-century daimyo, "Tiger of Kai," the guy with the "wind...

I still remember the first bowl I ever had. I was maybe three weeks into living here, ordered the "niku udon" because it was the first thing on the menu, and bit into a noodle that basically fought back. My first thought, genuinely, was ...

Hi, it's Daichi from KOKO Journey! When you're traveling in Japan, catching a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji is probably right at the top of your bucket list, right? But what if I told you that you could see Mt.Fuji while munching on...

Hi, it’s Daichi from KOKO Journey! Today, I’m taking you to Fujiyama Beer. This isn’t just your average craft brewery; it’s basically the mountain’s spirit in a glass. Quick heads-up for those who might not know: "Fujiyama" is actually j...

Hi, it’s Daichi from KOKO Journey! When you visit the Mt. Fuji area, you probably expect beautiful lakes, shrines, and amazing Mt.Fuji view.But here’s also something that might surprise you: Fujiyoshida City and Kawaguchiko Town have a l...

You’ve just walked into a cozy Izakaya, ready for a drink after a long day. But as soon as you take your seat, a small dish of food arrives, even though you haven't ordered anything yet. You might think, "Wait, I didn't ask for this.." o...

Hi, it’s Daichi from KOKO Journey! If you’re planning a trip to Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida, you might wonder where to find vegan food. In Japan, vegan-specific restaurants are still quite rare – especially outside of big cities. So, it’s...

When you think of traditional Japanese noodles, udon might come to mind, but few know about Yoshida Udon, a specialty of Fujiyoshida City near Mount Fuji. This thick, chewy noodle dish is famous for its unique texture, rich soy-based bro...